Introduction
The Connecticut State Library (CSL) is currently accepting applications for a Librarian 1 - State Library within the Division of Library Development in Middletown, CT.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Hybrid.
- Monday - Friday.
- Full Time, 40 hours per week.
- First Shift, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Location: Division of Library Development, Middletown Library Service Center.
THE ROLE
As part of the Division of Library Development, the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB) is a network library of the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). CT LAB lends books and magazines in audio and braille formats, for free, to any Connecticut resident who cannot read printed materials due to a visual, reading, or physical disability.
The Librarian 1 - State Library is responsible for providing Reader’s Advisory services to CT LAB patrons throughout Connecticut. Much of the work involves supporting patrons via telephone and email, and providing in-person customer service. Duties include assisting patrons with book selection and requests; submitting patron book requests for fulfillment; providing basic technical support for patrons who use Digital Talking Book Machines and the BARD download service, research and answering reference questions; processing applications and setting up library accounts for new patrons; orienting new patrons to CT LAB and NLS services and resources; performing regular maintenance of patron records and bibliographic records within CT LAB’s Integrated Library System, WebReads; contributing content to CT LAB’s bi-monthly patron newsletter; representing CT LAB at outreach events across CT; and processing incoming and outgoing patron transfers to and from NLS Network libraries across the United States. This position will also work with the entire Division of Library Development staff for programming, Division services, outreach, and special projects.
The ideal candidate will have experience in:
- Delivering a broad range of Reference and Reader’s Advisory services to library patrons.
- Providing customer service to library patrons.
- Answering library patrons’ technical support questions related to library resources.
- Using an integrated circulation system.
- Cataloging materials.
- Performing library catalog maintenance.
- Gathering library statistics.
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Oral and written communication skills.
ABOUT US
The Connecticut State Library is an independent and non-partisan Executive Branch agency of the State of Connecticut. Open to both residents and users beyond state borders, the State Library serves the employees and officials of all three branches of state government, students, teachers, researchers, town governments, and anyone seeking information within its collections. We are home to the State Archives, Office of the Public Records Administrator, Museum of Connecticut History, and more, providing a variety of archival, public records, museum, library, information, and administrative services.
Watch the video below to see what it's like to be a State of CT employee!
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates— such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information”.
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay Connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Brittney Woodley at brittney.woodley@ct.gov. Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the State Library this class is accountable for independently performing the full range of professional library duties and providing professional library services.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Performs professional library duties in any of the following areas: cataloging, interlibrary loan, reference, bibliographic services and collection management of books, serial publications, computer files, documents, audiovisual and other materials;
- Assists patrons in locating and obtaining materials;
- Furnishes information on library activities, facilities, rules and services;
- Explains and assists in use of reference sources, catalogs, indexes and automated data bases;
- Describes or demonstrates procedures for searching catalog files;
- Searches catalog files and shelves to locate information;
- Assembles and arranges displays of books and other library materials;
- Maintains reference and circulation materials;
- Answers correspondence on special reference subjects;
- May compile subject bibliographies;
- May select, order, catalog and classify materials;
- May review and update records retention and disposition schedules for state agencies;
- May plan and direct or carry out special projects;
- May train assigned staff;
- May conduct workshops;
- May serve as liaison to library groups and organizations;
- May compile reports and statistics;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of
- professional principles and practices of library science including classification systems, reference sources and techniques, acquisition, cataloging and filing, bibliographic sources of information and library automation;
- library administration principles and techniques;
- Skills
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to
- analyze and solve problems relating to library methods and procedures;
- utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
A Master's degree in library science or information science from a library school accredited by the American Library Association.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience providing remote customer service to library patrons via telephone and email.
- Experience creating accessible hard copy and digital documents in different formats, including large print, braille, and audio.
- Experience contributing to library newsletters or publications.
- Experience conducting community outreach.
- Experience using Assistive Technology.
- Experience in a disability-related field, especially related to vision and print disabilities.
- Experience with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) resources.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.